I wouldn't worry too much about the size of your son's hands right now. He's going to grow. I'm not much larger than many 7th graders & I do just fine w/ my Holton 276 and my Holton 179. As far as "beat up" goes, for less than $200 you can have horns cleaned, reconditioned, dents removed, etc. to look almost like new. Holtons and Yamahas are great horns w/ a nice response in the upper register, but don't be afraid of a used Conn or a used King if you can get your hands on one.

Valerie

One more thing, I can't speak to any particular model of Atkinson, but I can tell you that I tried about 10 different Atkinson horn in Denver this summer and they were ALL good horns.

Valerie

Thank you for your response! When you mention reconditioning, does that include stuck valve slides or braces needing resoldering? Since we have always rented, we're new to the maintenance and repair. That's why I was also considering a new Atkinson A600. Thank you!

That's basically what I mean. Horn repair is very reasonable. Taking out dents & soldering joints, making valves move again, etc., is very reasonable. It almost always pays to buy a used horn & have it worked on. When you look at used horns, try to see if the seller will let you take it home for a week or two on a trial basis so you can take it to a technician & have it looked at. Technicians can give you an estimate of what needs to be done & whether the horn is worth what the seller is asking for, etc.

I've learned my lesson about buying new horns; it's just not worth the money when you can get something just as good or better for a fraction of the cost. I'll never buy a new horn again. Ain't worth it!

Valerie

Valerie

The Conn 8D is played by many professionals (including myself). I play on a Conn 8DRS, (Rose Brass Lead-piping and bell/Nickel Silver Tuning Slides/Screw Bell). Atkinson horns are apparently very nice (have personally never tried one, may be one day!), you can also look at Paxman (very nice horns!!) and Alexander (Alex and Paxman's are competitors, I like both!) as they too make custom horns. It depends on if you are going to perform professionally or not. Conn also makes symphony model horns (9,11, 12 Symphony models) and you can get them in yellow brass, rosebrass/nickel silver or the Nickel silver.